Deployment of Controllable Network Transformer in Power Flow Control Based on Fuzzy Logic Approach

Through the numerous solutions for active and reactive power flow control in power systems, flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices have been in the center of attention in the last two decades. Although these devices are recognized as the utmost and modern technologies for power flow control, there is a very lukewarm reception in power systems. The main hurdles are known as high cost implementation, sophisticated design and control requirements, and long-duration interruptions for maintenance purposes. In this study, controllable network transformer (CNT) is first introduced as a suitable alternative of FACTS devices which is deemed for power flow control in power systems. This devise contains an under load tap changing (ULTC) transformer followed with a biridectional low rated AC-AC converter. Simplicity of structure and hence a low cost implementation of this device ends in a suitable solution for bidirectional power flow control. To end in effective switching parameters, dual virtual quadrature sources (DVQS) approach is utilized. Meanwhile, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is devised for active and reactive power flow controls in faulty situations. To evaluate performance of the proposed approach, simulation studies are conducted on a typical power system. The obtained results demonstrate outperformance of the proposed approach in effective power flow control.